A knee support gives the joint a firm, steady hold. It does not make the knee stronger and it will not shorten how long an injury takes to heal, but plenty of people find that steadier feeling is the difference between getting on with the day and not.
Lots of people wear them, from runners to gym-goers to those of us who just want walking to be more comfortable.
But what about wider legs?
Knee supports are made for all shapes and sizes but may take longer for fitting on wider legs. Not to worry, here is our guide on how to fit knee supports for wider legs, and what to expect from one.
Quick answer: our knee supports run from Medium to XXL, and the Extra Large Knee Support is designed with more room and comfort for larger knees. Check the size guide, undo the velcro straps, place it on your knee and strap back round: snug, but never to the point that it hurts.
How do I fit a Knee Support on my wider legs?
Our Knee Support comes in a range of different sizes, from Medium to XXL. So the first step would be to choose a size that would suit you. These sizes are designed for the different sizes of legs, so be sure to get this step right. If you are at the wider end of the range, our Extra Large Knee Support is made with more room and comfort for larger knees.
If you are unsure what size you are, we have a size guide on our product page that you can check out to determine what size fits you.
Once you have your Knee Support, simply undo the velcro straps and place it on your knee. Carefully, strap the velcro back round, placing it so that it will not fall off your knee. Make it snug, but not so tight that it hurts, leaves marks, or makes your lower leg tingle.
Wear it for the parts of the day that need it, which for most people means being on their feet. At night, take the support off and let a cushioned knee pillow take over: the support does the day shift, the pillow does the night shift, keeping pressure off your knees while you sleep.
What can you expect from a Knee Support?
Mostly, a steadier knee. The support holds the joint firmly and the cushioned ring sits around the kneecap, so the knee feels held rather than loose while you are moving about. Some people notice they trust it more on stairs and uneven ground.
That reassurance is worth having if you have been walking cautiously, but it comes from the support being on. It is not building anything underneath.
What it will not do
It will not repair a torn ligament, it will not make the muscles around the knee stronger, and it will not make an injury heal faster. Strength comes from the exercises a physiotherapist gives you, and healing takes the time it takes.
That is also why wearing one constantly is not the goal. Use it for the tasks that need it. If your knee gives way, locks, will not take your weight, or the pain is not settling, that needs looking at rather than strapping up.
Makes walking more comfortable
This is the honest headline benefit and the one people actually report. Walking with a support on tends to feel more comfortable and more secure, which for a lot of people means walking further than they would otherwise.
If you are wanting to get out more but your knee is holding you back, this is the part worth trying.
Where can I purchase a Knee Support?
Here at Essential Wellness, we make an adjustable knee support with three points of adjustment and a cushioned open patella ring.
It comes in a range of sizes from Medium to XXL, with the Extra Large built with more room for larger knees.
Click Here to check out our Knee Support on our product page.
